39 travelers at this place:

We traveled to Cork City which used to be Europes main seaport.
The highlight today was a guided tour of the Old Middleton Jameson Irish Whiskey Distillery which is still in use today. This excellent, detailed visit included three original pot stills. One of these copper stills is the largest in the world holding 31,000 gallons.
We ended the tour in the tasting room where we sampled their Irish Whiskey.Read more

So after getting a nice nap in, I can say I'm quite grateful for being able to sleep anywhere, and it was so easy to find my hostel this time around; I'm even in the same room as last time. I thought, although highly unlikely as it is an English treat, I would ask about treacle tart again. Once we got over the hump of explaining what it was, I was on my way to M&S, a high end market, and if I found it would bring it back to share the experience. They actually had it! I couldn't believe it, and just barely restrained myself from hugging the woman who helped me. I rushed back, grabbed some forks and plates, and we dug in. Aside from being pure sugar, it was sticky sweet, melt in your mouth delicious. Only wanting a slice, as well as to save myself from having more than I should, I gave the rest of the tart to the staff of the bar... I think they appreciated it. Because it was only three, and still light out, I had to squeeze in another attraction. Of the ones recommended, two were close enough for a comfortable walk, and one was still open. It made for an easy decision, and I was able to navigate through Cork to Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, seeing a sign along the way for a newly closed Starbucks, as well as taking a detour through a park. My God (pun intended) was this place stunning. After soaking in this building, over 150 years old, I decided to look through their small souvenir shop. As it was the same person working the till for entry and to buy anything, we struck up a conversation, talking about my trip and being from California he walked around the shop that reminded me of tidying up... but what he did was buy me a stone cross, for safety and protection. I was so touched. We spoke a bit longer, and I even did their labyrinth, which was for meditation, rather than trapping a minotaur. From there, souvenirs in hand (how could I not buy something and support the Cathedral after that?), I headed back. Getting hungry and having it be my last night, I decided to treat myself, because I'm still worth it, and now is no time to be stingy. I headed to Gallagers Pub, for an insane burger with all sorts of things on it, including a treacle onion jam. Totally satiated I headed back to my lodging for a pint, since it was also a pub, I knew there was a reason I stayed here again. Miraculously I was tired half way through my drink, and knowing I had to be up early, just headed upstairs. It is one thing to miss your tour, it is another to miss your flight home. So that's it, my last night. It wasn't crazy and wild, but really neither was much of my trip, so it all worked out.Read more

After a nice bus ride (that has wifi, they all have wifi!!) I found myself somewhere in Blarney next to a petrol (gas) station, and a little bit hungry. Now, when I think of gas station food I think of sad hotdogs and a bag of chips, but that is not at all how food is there. Fresh fries, made to order sandwiches, fried chicken, and much more. Plus, they were really nice. There was a man, Paul, behind the counter who suggested I get the chicken curry with rice and a side of chips (fries), said it would be perfect to warm me up on a chilly day. Boy was he right. When I went back to the counter for some water I was able to thank him for his recommendation, and we got to talking about Blarney Castle; my next stop. He suggested, after I saw the castle and kissed the stone that I make my way around the back to see the poison gardens, but especially the Blarney House, and that I would love it. So I made my way over to the castle (there were surprisingly few signs), finally found the entrance, and made sure to get a book on Blarney right there, before I even went inside. It was only 3€ and even the guy who sold it to me said it was the best one, which I thought was nice. Once I finally made it inside, I was truly in awe of the castle, not to mention the grounds. After admiring the rooms, and winding my way up very narrow staircases, I was at the top... and only slightly out of breath. What I ended up realizing as well as daring to do, is that to kiss the blarney stone you have to essentially lean yourself off the side of the castle into a gap head first, all the while hoping you don't look down and that the man holding your legs has a good grip. I felt a little like a badass. After that I wound my way down the stairs again and headed to the poison gardens. Honestly, if there weren't signs everywhere, I could have easily mistaken this garden as something run of the mill, but it was very special and informative. Upon exiting the gardens you're let out on a path that leads directly the Blarney House. Unfortunately, the house was closed, but it was very lovely to look at as well take photos. Leaving through the gift shop, and without buying anything more, I was able to get myself on the right bus back to Cork, but that's not my final destination of the day. Asking around, I was able to find a bus that goes directly to Dublin, and hopefully I'll make it to my hostel by the time I said I'd check in. I may have only gone to one site today, but I had a really great time.Read more

Today is the day!!! Mum and Joanne have finally made it all the way to Ireland!!
After months of waiting long phone calls and letters back and forth they have finally arrived!
On there first day in Cork they checked into there lovley first hotel with a waterfall out the back! Put there bags away and took to the streets to venture out into Corks busy city center! I took them to the famous Pennys which they fell in love with! Walked them up and down St Patricks street checking out the shops and finally to Skoozies for lunch and a much needed wine and chat! Before heading home for the night!Read more

After one last fine breakfast at The Alex in Dublin we took a taxi to the Thrifty depot to collet our car. We had decided to extend the hire period and also to upsize a little so we ended up driving away with a Ford Focus diesel. Fine car, and soooo economical - 63mpg or more.
We headed off to Cork, but the signs to Limerick were enticing so we headed WSW and ended up in central Limerick. It was not the most impressive city we have been to, so after a coffee we headed across to Cork where we had a hotel booked for the night.
The hotel was in a great location, but a bit shabby. Nevertheless we headed off for a walk, exploring various churches and then down to the centre of town. We found a pub that served a reasonable meal, but it was a bit noisy. The locals were really friendly, something we have found everywhere.Read more